Calcium antagonists and cancer. Is there really a link?
Recent publications have raised concerns about a possible link between calcium antagonist therapy and the development of cancer. Comparisons of the methodology and results of these studies with other studies where an association between calcium antagonist therapy and cancer has not been apparent suggests that the association is most likely to be due to selection bias or chance. Clinical and biochemical studies have not produced a consistent plausible mechanism for a causative link between calcium antagonists and the development of cancer. Further prospective data that will be available from long-term morbidity and mortality trials of the use of calcium antagonists in cardiovascular diseases will be of value in establishing the safety of these drugs.
Howes
L G
LG
Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University of New South Wales, St George Hospital, Kogarah, Australia. l.howes@unsw.edu.au
Edwards
C T
CT
D000818:Animals; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced*; D009374:Neoplasms, Experimental / Q000139:chemically induced
D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers